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The New Zealand Railways Cheered Him Up.

(By K. Robert Law, Wanganui).

I stood on the deck of a great ship, alone in the midst of all the bustle of excited people, who were frantically waving hands and handkerchiefs to their friends on the wharf below, where men were already putting up the gangways. I was a stranger arriving in a strange place. I had no friends-I was alone. All the thrills and joyous feelings I thought I would experience on arriving in this beautiful place had vanished. I was solitary, yet surrounded by happy people eager to set foot on land.

Eventually I got ashore and after collecting my bags, I was soon on the way to the hotel.

I was going to travel-but not on the railways. I made up my mind regarding this; but strange to say, as quickly as I made up my mind I changed it and decided to give them a fair trial. How pleased I am now to know that I made such an adventurous (as I first thought) move! I expected to find something vastly different from what I actually did-in fact the whole concern exceeded all my expectations. The moment I was seated in a comfortable “smoker” I became joyful, I knew that my loneliness was definitely gone. I was certain that my trip would be a success and yet the express was still standing at the station. I marvelled at my own self. Five minutes previous I was gloomy, and walked towards that train with a real pessimistic view of things. That was the commencement of my trip, and as each mile of the smooth steel way was covered I grew louder in my praises for the New Zealand Railways.

The passenger cars, comfortable, and fitted with every convenience, were all one could wish for. The dining car I missed until I discovered the popular dining rooms situated in convenient portions of the station buildings along the line. Here high grade meals, to suit the most particular taste, were expeditiously and courteously served, for a sum I did not in the least begrudge paying.

When one sees some of the wild rough country the railway passes through, one must admire the strong-hearted men who worked with such strength and determination to build the line through hills, over rivers, gorges, and along many seemingly impassable places. Nothing seemed too big for these men. They were optimists and they have succeeded.

Many of the views from the carriage window, were, without doubt, awe-inspiring. Scenery-from mountain and river, to green fields and sea-scapes-something that most travellers enjoy and something that remains fresh in their minds for many long days, was viewed and admired as the train bore me on.

I am sure that the New Zealand Railways gave me a greater impression of New Zealand than I could have obtained in any other way.

Although there are hundreds of other interesting items that could be discussed from the traveller's point of view, I feel I should conclude by saying that the Railways are a go-ahead business enterprise. With their diligent and conscientious employees they will quickly rectify any little things that are now below standard, the time being not far distant when the New Zealand Railways will be a model system.

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